Non-Hotfix Application Guide
How to Rhinestone a Dance Costume
Two videos, more than a decade apart, and five steps you can use on your next costume.
When we filmed our newer dance costume tutorial, we were surprised by how little had changed since our original video. A few tools have changed, but the technique is familiar: plan the design, prepare the costume, test your glue, and apply one stone at a time. Watch the newer video for a quick look at the process or go back to the original for more detail on tools, fabric, and costume care.
2025 Video
Watch the Newer Tutorial
Follow the on-screen instructions as we add flatback rhinestones to a dance costume. This video uses music and on-screen text.
Watch the 2025 tutorial on YouTube
What You’ll See
Watch the placement sequence: apply small dots of glue, pick up the flatback rhinestones, and place them one at a time to build the design.
2014 Archive Video
Watch the Original Tutorial
Our original tutorial takes more time with the details, from protecting layers of delicate fabric to dispensing glue with a fine tip and packing your finished costume.
Watch the 2014 tutorial on YouTube
What You’ll See
- 2:03 Prepare your workspace and protect the fabric layers.
- 2:34 Compare glue options for flat and curved areas.
- 3:17 Choose your tools, fill a glue syringe, and practice making small dots.
- 6:39 See different ways to pick up and place rhinestones.
- 7:59 Care for and transport the finished costume.
- 9:11 Try design layouts and learn why separate glue dots matter on stretch fabric.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How Do You Rhinestone A Dance Costume?
Lay out your flatback rhinestones, protect and support the fabric, and test the glue before you commit to the design. Then apply each stone to its own small dot of glue and let the costume cure before wearing, packing, or washing it.
01
Plan Your Design and Spacing
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Lay out a small part of your design with loose stones before you open the glue. Try following a neckline, tracing a seam or appliqué, or scattering stones across a panel. If the design repeats, measure a short section first. That gives you a reference for spacing and lets you compare both sides before you start gluing. |
02
Prepare Your Costume and Work Surface
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Start with a clean work surface. Slip cardboard wrapped in wax paper between the layers so glue that seeps through cannot stick them together. This is especially helpful with mesh, net, chiffon, and thin stretch fabrics. Support a leotard or tights at about the stretch they’ll have when worn. A flat board works for a leotard panel; a clean bottle can support a section of tights or leggings. |
03
Choose and Test Your Glue
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Choose a glue suited to the fabric and the way the costume will rest while you work. A white rhinestone glue that dries clear can be easy to control when the garment can lie flat. On a curved area, look for a compatible formula that holds the stones in place as it sets. Test a few stones on a scrap of the same fabric or in an inconspicuous spot. After the glue cures, check how it looks and gently flex the fabric to see how the stones hold. |
04
Apply the Rhinestones Without a Mess
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Make small, controlled glue dots. Use a fine bottle tip or a glue syringe to place one dot per stone. Separate dots let stretch fabric move between the stones. Flip the stones right side up. Give a Magical Tray a gentle shake so the crystal faces are easier to reach with your pickup tool. Pick up and place each stone. Touch the face lightly with the pickup tool, lower the stone onto the dot, and use just enough pressure to seat it. Work in small batches so you can place the stones before the glue starts to set. |
05
Let the Glue Cure, Then Care for and Transport the Costume
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Keep the costume supported and still while the glue sets. Follow the adhesive’s full cure time before stretching, wearing, packing, or washing the costume. Check both the garment care label and the glue instructions before washing. If both allow it, gentle washing and air drying help protect the embellishments. Use a garment bag or a roomy box for travel. A layer of clean tissue over heavily embellished areas can help protect the rhinestones and keep them from catching on delicate fabric. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Dance Costume Rhinestone FAQs
What Glue Should I Use On A Dance Costume?
Use a glue compatible with your costume fabric and flatback rhinestones. Consider whether the garment can lie flat while the glue sets, then test your chosen formula on a scrap or hidden spot before applying the full design.
Should I Stretch The Fabric Before Gluing Rhinestones?
Yes, if the fabric stretches when worn. Support the garment at about its worn stretch and use one small glue dot per stone so the fabric can move between stones.
How Do I Keep Glue From Seeping Through The Costume?
Use small, controlled dots and place a barrier, such as cardboard wrapped in wax paper, between the layers. That way, any glue that seeps through stays away from the other layer and your work surface.
When Can I Wash A Costume After Gluing Rhinestones?
Wait until the adhesive has fully cured according to its instructions. Then follow the garment care label and the adhesive’s washing directions.